Barcelona could not play against Real Madrid if Catalonia becomes independent

 

September 21, 2012

 

The FC Barcelona will quickly seek FIFA’s recognition of teams in Catalonia if the region becomes independent in order to continue competing in La Liga.

During 2012, the demonstrations demanding the separation of Catalonia from Spain increased by rejecting the austerity measures of the central government of Mariano Rajoy.

This puts Catalan football teams in a difficult situation, which would be thrown out of the championships organized by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

The regulation of the RFEF is clear about the need for teams participating to be of Spanish origin and established in the country’s territory.

Complying with these rules would mean the end of the world’s most famous derby. The Real Madrid and Barcelona could only cross each other in the Champions League, providing that Catalonia is given a sit for the competition.

To this must be added that the region should form their own football association and their own leagues. Catalonia has two teams in the first division, Barca and Espanyol, 2 in the second division and about fifteen in regional tournaments.

The alternative is to include the Catalan teams as Monaco is included in the French championships. The Association Sportive de Monaco Football Club, based in the city south of France, plays in the second division of French football.